Merthyr Tydfil

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has successfully delivered a project to enhance Abercanaid Riverside, creating a greener, more welcoming space for the community. Supported through Local Places for Nature, the improvements have brought lasting benefits for both the local school and residents.

Project Aims
The project aimed to transform Abercanaid Riverside into a vibrant and accessible green space by enhancing biodiversity, improving the school environment, and managing invasive species along the River Taff. It sought to encourage outdoor learning and play, provide opportunities for growing food, and make nature more accessible to the community. By integrating these elements, the project has created a more sustainable and engaging space for both residents and pupils.

Key Activities and Achievements
Between April 2022 and March 2023, the project team carried out significant improvements, including:

• Installing a green wall on the school building, along with four large vegetable planters.
• Planting 30 semi-mature trees (alder, oak, and elm) along the river and establishing an orchard on a south-facing slope.
• Creating a wildflower trail and planting 325 native bulbs to enhance biodiversity.
• Installing a footbridge and dipping platform over a Taff tributary for educational use.
• Commissioning a bilingual interpretation panel about river wildlife.
• Managing invasive Japanese Knotweed through specialist treatment.
• Constructing a giant willow sculpture of a salmon, reflecting the river’s ecological importance.
• Improving accessibility with new pathways, signage, and seating.

Community Impact
The project has revitalised an underused green space, making it a more inviting place for people to connect with nature. There has been a tangible improvement in the visual quality of the school environment and there have been several noted visits of early bees to the green wall along with the scent of the flowers. Pupils now have direct access to greenery, with opportunities to grow food and engage in outdoor learning.

Volunteers played a key role in planting and installation, benefiting their well-being while strengthening community ties. The wildflower walk has made a dramatic colourful entrance to the site.

Year 6 pupils said: “We are extremely happy with how our greenery enhances our school environment. We know that this improves our planet but also improves our wellbeing. We love green spaces! We are looking forward to watching everything grow.”

Mrs Edwards, Teacher: “What a transformation to our Pioneer playground. We have gone from a concrete jungle to a lush filled yard full of greenery. The smell of honeysuckle entices our noses. We cannot wait for the plants and trees to grow to encourage minibeasts into our environment. As the inspirational quote suggests - the best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky. You have certainly helped us on this road. Diolch yn fawr.”

Lasting Benefits
Abercanaid Riverside is now a thriving, biodiverse space that encourages people to enjoy and appreciate nature. The project demonstrates how targeted investment in green spaces can bring environmental, educational, and social benefits, making a positive difference for communities in Wales.